Turgen Gorge

The Turgen gorge cuts south into the Zailiysky Alatau from the village of the same name east of Almaty, and a road runs some forty kilometres up it, which makes the high country unusually accessible. Waterfalls are the draw: the Bear falls, Medvezhy, reached by a short walk from the road, and the Bozgul falls higher up, with several others on side streams. Hot springs at the mouth of the gorge feed pools and a small spa. Above the treeline the road reaches the Assy plateau. The valley holds Tien Shan spruce forest, apple and apricot in the lower reaches, and trout farms and roadside cafes serving them. It is one of the standard days out from Almaty.

What you actually see

• The waterfalls - Medvezhy and Bozgul on the side streams.
• Hot springs - the thermal pools near the gorge mouth.
• Spruce forest - the Tien Shan spruce on the valley sides.
• The gorge road - the route running up toward the Assy plateau.

When to go

May to October for the road and the walks; the upper gorge is snowbound in winter and the road closes. Waterfalls run strongest in May and June with snowmelt. Weekends bring heavy traffic from Almaty.

Honest expectations

The gorge road is rough beyond the lower section and needs high clearance. Entry fees are charged at the park gate. Weekend crowds and roadside barbecue traffic are heavy. Waterfall walks are short and often busy.

Nearby

The Assy plateau lies above; Almaty is west.